Iowa for Obama

Obama introduces bill to redeploy troops by March 2008

2007-01-31T08:35:00.001-08:00

Here is the Senator's Senate Floor speech:

The press release details the tenant of the Obama plan. It is quite detailed and considers the immense difficulties of the situation. The plan would seek to redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq by March of 2008.

“Our troops have performed brilliantly in Iraq, but no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else’s civil war,” Obama said. “That’s why I have introduced a plan to not only stop the escalation of this war, but begin a phased redeployment that can pressure the Iraqis to finally reach a political settlement and reduce the violence.”

Obama introduces bill to redeploy troops by March 2008

2007-01-31T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here is the Senator's Senate Floor speech:

details the tenant of the Obama plan. It is quite detailed and considers the immense difficulties of the situation. The plan would seek to redeploy U.S. forces from Iraq by March of 2008.

“Our troops have performed brilliantly in Iraq, but no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else’s civil war,” Obama said. “That’s why I have introduced a plan to not only stop the escalation of this war, but begin a phased redeployment that can pressure the Iraqis to finally reach a political settlement and reduce the violence.”

SOTU Reaction

2007-01-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

The Hotline gives us Obama's reaction to the State of the Union

“The President offered some serious proposals tonight on two issues – energy and health care – that we all agree must be addressed. I’m glad he did and I think it’s important to respond in a constructive way. But the last election proved that politics-by-slogan and poll-tested sound bites aren’t going to cut it with the American people anymore, and that’s why the real test of leadership is not what the President said to Congress tonight, but how he works with Congress to find real solutions to the problems we face.

“The good news is that in the halls of Congress and across the nation, there is widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans on how to meet the major challenges facing America.

“Most Americans believe that escalation will not bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end, and that’s why I’ve proposed not just a troop cap, but a phased redeployment that will start bringing our troops home. Most Americans believe that energy independence will come from using more biofuels like ethanol and making cars that actually use less oil, which is why I proposed a bipartisan plan that would raise fuel economy standards for the first time in decades. Most Americans believe that the biggest domestic challenge facing the country is the high cost of health care, and that’s why incremental plans that do nothing to bring down costs or guarantee coverage are simply no longer sufficient.

“The American people have been waiting for leadership commensurate to the challenges we face, and they’ll be watching to see if bold rhetoric is followed by bold action in the months to come.”

Thank you CNN

2007-01-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the story CNN did to counter the outrageous claims of Fox News and others that the Senator is a radical Muslim in disguise by being schooled in a "madrassa" in Indonesia. Madrassa simply means school, there are is not a religious meaning to the word. CNN took a reporter and crew to the school the Senator attended when he was 6 and really did a good job to debunk right wing smears. An disgusting attack so early in the race. CNN did what any credible news organization should, ACTUALLY RESEARCH. Fox and their morning smucks dumbly talk their heads off based on no research and slander.

Thanks CNN for being credible.

Draft Obama's latest effort

2007-01-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

DraftObama.org is now launching the website www.obamawasright.com. This site highlights some quotes and different views taken by the leading candidates of each party and tells how Senator Obama was right on Iraq from the beginning.

Check it out.

Obama launches Exploratory Committee

2007-01-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

One of the best quotes from the message is this,"[I]t's not the magnitude of our problems that concerns me the most. It's the smallness of our politics."

More to follow later today. I have heard a few rumors that there may be in Iowa event in the works soon, I will let you know if I know anything. As for an official announcment, look to Chicago on the 21st of next month.

OBAMA '08!

That is early

2007-01-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Hotline is reporting that AFSCME will be holding a Democratic candidate forum on 2/21 of this year in Carson, NV.

Definately something to look forward to, but wow, that's early.

Obama opening up on Oprah?

2007-01-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

Many around the blogosphere are speculated that a "TBA" listed Oprah's schedule for Wednesday the 17th could mean that the day is being kept open for an Obama announcment. The Senator said that he would come back to announce on the show after his last well-recieved visit. An announcment of sorts is expected this week.

Make sure to check out Oprah on KCCI Channel 8 in Des Moines at 4:00 PM (The Sinclair/ Mediacom battle may keep folks from seeing it in some parts of the state.)

Big news soon!

2007-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Political Wire has some great tips about how the Senator's campaign may be beginning by early next week:

Sen. Barack Obama "has spent the last few days calling friends, select elected officials, and likely major donors to tell them he's running for president," according to Ben Smith.

The AP says Obama "has hired policy, research and press staff for a campaign to be run from Chicago, according to several Democrats. And a senior aide to the senator, Steve Hildebrand, recently told potential Iowa supporters that word of his plans could come early next week."

There you have it. More as I know it. Exciting!

Obama in Iowa City Video

2007-01-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is fantastic series of videos of Senator Obama doing an event for our great future Governor, Chet Culver. Reports on the size of the crowd that night, a week before the election, were 5,000 people! Listen to the first few seconds of the video and you can hear the chanting of "0-8! 0-8!" and throughout the videos there are random shouts of "Run for President." As the prospect of an Obama campaign nears reality, this video should put a little more fire in your heart.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

New Congress in. What Obama doing?

2007-01-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

CNN reports on some of Senator Obama's activities upon his return to Washington for the start of the new Congress. His agenda includes the swearing in ceremonies receptions of Senators Kennedy (MA), Boxer (CA), McCaskill (MO), Webb (VA), Stabenow (MI), and Menendez (NJ) on Thursday.

The CNN ticker looks into these visits as having a deeper meaning than Senate cordiality. Senator Kennedy recently said that he was still planning on supporting Senator Kerry if he runs, but doesn't want to wait on him forever to make a decision. I also recall Senator Kennedy saying he had an interest in the candidacies of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. The receptions also are representing a number of important General election and primary states where Senator Obama would seek support and funds.

Senator Obama said that he would be making a decision following his return from Hawaii. Now that we have him back on the mainland expect a decision soon.

Visibility Tomorrow Afternoon

2006-12-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here are the details from the media advisory. I hope to see you there. We will need folks to hold some signs and get some signatures for the petition. Hopefully we will get some media coverage and drum up more interest. We will meet at 3:00 outside of the Brenton Skating Plaza downtown Des Moines.

www.draftobama.org
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
Sunday, December 31, 2006

Iowa DraftObama.org to Celebrate Television AdvertistmentWith Des Moines Signature Drive

Des Moines, Iowa – To celebrate the TV ad airing on New Years’ Day, members of Iowa DraftObama.org will collect signatures to urge Illinois Senator Barack Obama to run for the Democratic nomination for President in 2008. The signature drive coincides with the announcement that DraftObama.org has purchased airtime for its 60-second ad titled “Believe Again,” which will air in Iowa media markets to encourage an Obama for President campaign. The signature drive will take place outside of the Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines, Iowa on Monday January 1, 2007 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Who: Iowa DraftObama.org supporters.

What: Signature drive to encourage Illinois Senator Barack Obama to run for President in 2008. DraftObama.org, a nationwide, all-volunteer movement, will air a television advertisement on New Year’s Day in support of a Senator Obama candidacy on the ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates in Des Moines, Iowa.

Where: Outside of the Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309

When: Monday January 1, 2007

3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Possible DSM visibility (details to follow)

2006-12-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

I have been working with the DraftObama.org leadership and we are looking at doing some visibility in Des Moines marking the release of the Draft Obama ad in Iowa markets on New Year's Day. If you have any interest in assisting drop me a comment with your email address.

More info to follow.

The press about the release of the ad has been very well spread across the state and I will try to get some links for you soon. Until then, watch your TV for the DraftObama ad and see how it feels to have Obama in the living room.

Draft Obama to air ad in Iowa

2006-12-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Draft Obama campaign has purchased ad time for the 60 second spot entitled "Believe Again," which will air early in the new year on Iowa affliates. This ad has already been aired in New Hampshire, following the Senator's well recieved visit. I will let you see the ad for yourself.

This advertisement is very inspiring and it will hopefully drum up more support for Obama as he nears his decision, in this all-important Caucus state.

Remember to check out www.draftobama.org to fund this ad and for great Obama gear.

KCCI Poll shows Obama tied for 1st in Iowa

2006-12-29T08:58:00.003-08:00

KCCI released the results of a Research 2000 Iowa Poll which was conducted with Decemeber 18-20. The poll interviewed 600 likely Iowa Caucus-goers on who their top choice of Democratic candidates is. The poll has an MoE of 4 percentage points:

Edwards 22%
Obama 22%
Vilsack 12%
Clinton 10%
Gore 7%
Kerry 5%
Kucinich 4%
Clark 4%

As I will say with most polls discussed on the Caucus, its hard to get an accurate measurement due to the 15% threshold at the precinct caucus level. Also, there is hazard handicapping the race from this far out; dynamics change, candidates may not sell or will excel, and good field work can make or break campaigns. That being said, Senator Obama rise has been quick and amazing since his inclusion into 2008 polling. Once announced the Senator should plan on making Iowa a second home and be able do several small scale, one-on-one events that the caucus-goer expects. All told, Obama looks like he can be a big force in Iowa with the help of a grassroots organization and extensive in-state travel.

Return after repairs

2006-12-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hey all-

I had some serious template issues with the blog over the last few weeks and decieded to start over fresh. I have copied and pasted old posts into the new blog. I have also been too busy to be consistent in my posts. Expect a lot more today and in the coming weeks.

We got a little attention from WHO-TV's Dave Price after a brief phone interview I had with him. The write up appeared on his Price of Politics blog.

Monday Night Football

2006-12-29T08:38:00.001-08:00

This is Senator Obama's announcment...that "the Bears are going all the way baby."

Senator Obama in New Hampshire

2006-12-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am currently watching Senator Obama at the New Hampshire Democrats event which is playing on C-SPAN's Road to the White House series. I was also able to catch his opening on Monday Night Football, which was a skit with a mock announcment (of his support for the 10 and 2 Chicago Bears) and shows how great he will be on TV.

He is now getting into issues in his speech. I am live blogging after the fact:

-Health care is getting top billing. He has been recently touting his support for universal health care.
-He said that the people in the White House need to accept science and take a serious look at climate change.
-Investment and research needed in renewable energies, "We can no longer fund the War on Terror at both ends."
-"Might of our military must be matched by the strength of our diplomacy."-Billions of dollars better spent at home on innovation, infrastruction
-Young men and women lives can only be put on the line if it is needed for our nation's security-"Politics are not a sport...about who are are as a people, what we believe in, what we are willing to do"
-"My obligation" to help meet challenges people want-Health care, energy, competiveness, national security that is "tough and smart. What we've seen is tough and dumb."
-"Proud to be Democrats, but prouder to be Americans"
-Imagination, hard word, sacrafice, and sense of hope needed to meet goals"This is our time, a new generation is preparing to lead. You are part of that, I am glad to part of that."

Quite moving. Even from the TV you can tell the audience is capitve. I am excited about the prospect of an Obama campaign. Newsweek reports that a Senator Obama aide said the Senator is 80% positive about making a run, and now a crucial supporter is behind the race...Michelle Obama, the Senator's wife.

Thanks for reading. More for you soon.

Obama on the Iraq Study Group

2006-12-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Hotline cites come some of Senator Obama's response to the Iraq Study Group Report:

"The report avoids the partisan rhetoric that has characterized too much of this debate and offers a unique chance to forge a bipartisan consensus on how to move forward on Iraq."

Redeployment:
"I agree with the Study Group's call for a signficant redeployment of U.S. forces in Iraq... redeployment is the best way to finally reach a political agreement between the warring factions."

(Calls For A) Regional Summit:
"I am also pleased by their call for a regional summit that would include both Iran and Syrian, an enhanced Iraqi training program, and their proposal to condition further assistance to progress in Iraq."

Linked is the video of Senator Obama's speech to the Chicago Council of Foreign Relations titled A Way Foward in Iraq:

Video

This is a very powerful speech in which the Senator says:
"For the fact is that there are no good options left in this war. There are no options that do not carry significant risks. And so the question is not whether there is some magic formula for success, or guarantee against failure, in Iraq. Rather, the question is what strategies, imperfect though they may be, are most likely to achieve the best outcome in Iraq, one that will ultimately put us on a more effective course to deal with international terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and other critical threats to our security."

The Senator also calls for a redeployment within 4 to 6 months, similar to the plan he outlined over a year ago.

NH Event Sold Out

2006-12-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

According to the New Hampshire Democratic Party they have sold all of their tickets for there Election Celebration event with Senator Obama. Over 1,500 are expected in attendance. The NHDP needed to move the event to a larger venue when it became apparent how many people wished to attend.

Obama related links

2006-12-29T08:08:00.000-08:00

There are a few great Obama websites supporting and encouraging the Senator, they are listed below with indications if they include a petition (which I encourage you to sign).

www.draftobama.org (w/ petition)
www.runobama.com (w/ petition)
Senator Durbin's petition http://ga3.org/campaign/obama?source=obama_web
www.obamaisgood.com (great t-shirts)
www.barackobama.com (Get the Senator's emails)

Iowa for Obama

2006-12-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

Senator Barack Obama is in my view the best choice for the Democrats in 2008.

I am starting this blog to provide information and conversation on why Iowa should choose Obama. The Senator appears to be on the cusp of entering this race, but we should encourage him to take the plunge for the good of our nation. We can start by signing the petition at www.draftobama.org to show our support for a Obama '08 candidacy.

Thank you friends. Lets get to work.